Philander Smith Outpaces Paul Quinn, 79-57, in Early-Season Matchup
Austin, TX – In a fast-paced game at the Austin Convention Center on November 8, 2024, the Philander Smith Panthers secured a decisive 79-57 victory over the Paul Quinn Tigers. Strong first-half shooting and solid bench support propelled Philander Smith to a 25-point halftime lead that proved too much for Paul Quinn to overcome.
Game Summary
Philander Smith surged out of the gate, shooting 54.8% from the field in the first half to build a commanding 51-26 lead by halftime. While Paul Quinn responded with a more efficient second half, improving to a 46.2% shooting rate and outscoring Philander Smith 31-28, the deficit was too great to bridge.
Philander Smith's high energy and depth were evident throughout, as they capitalized on turnovers and used their bench strength to outpace Paul Quinn in critical moments. The Panthers' strong defensive pressure forced 24 turnovers, leading to 33 points off turnovers. They also scored 44 points in the paint, controlling the interior and limiting Paul Quinn's second-chance opportunities.
Key Performers
For Philander Smith:
- Raymond Reece led with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, adding seven rebounds and three steals. His efficiency and defensive presence were pivotal.
- Dakhari Lewis added 16 points and four rebounds, going 7-for-10 from the field.
- Evan Alexander came off the bench with 16 points, providing a scoring boost alongside Elijah Anderson, who contributed 15 points and one steal.
Paul Quinn showed flashes of promise, particularly in the second half:
- Derrick Miller led the Tigers with 12 points, hitting 7-of-9 free throws, and provided a steady presence on the court.
- Jeb Tobin and R.J. McGarthy each added nine points, with McGarthy contributing three rebounds and two assists.
- Julian Spotser was instrumental defensively, collecting a team-high 10 rebounds.
Key Stats
Philander Smith's physicality and offensive aggression were evident in their points in the paint (44 to Paul Quinn's 22) and fast break points (22 to Paul Quinn's 10). Their bench contributed 40 points, far outscoring Paul Quinn's bench, which had 27.
Paul Quinn struggled with ball control, as their 24 turnovers allowed Philander Smith to maintain a quick tempo. Additionally, Paul Quinn's shooting inconsistencies, particularly at the free-throw line (63.2% overall), hindered their comeback attempts.
Looking Forward
Paul Quinn will look to sharpen their play, focusing on ball control and defensive intensity as they prepare for upcoming games. The Tigers have shown resilience and the potential to capitalize on their shooting strength, especially from beyond the arc. With continued development, they aim to translate these learnings into a more consistent performance throughout their season.